The work of Ciaran O'Cearnaigh is rooted in the revival of such historical footnotes as the lives of Irish monks during the Reformation, servants working at Castletown House during the 18th century and the evacuation of the Blasket Islands in 1953. Paradoxically, O'Cearnaigh's revivalism is unlikely to excite even the most ardent history buff, as his approach is rather sterile - perhaps doing more to diminish the relevance of past histories than investigate or celebrate them.
His manner is quite Spartan, manipulating various objects through photographic computer techniques. These objects include leather boots transmogrified into a single form, a bonnet with a star map superimposed on to the fabric, and a coat with architectural scenes, borrowed from delftware substituted as a decorative pattern. Each object is arranged in isolation against a white background, highlighting the museum-like atmosphere.
The sculptural work echoes the austerity of the computer prints, but relies more upon oblique references to the above-mentioned sources by establishing unusual, even surreal, juxtapositions. For example, the legs of a stuffed animal are trapped under a grey house; eggs are arranged in a perspex box - each sporting grey "hats"; while a miniature bed supports a number of wooden rulers which hang like stalactites beneath.
If O'Cearnaigh's intention was to confirm the invisibility of certain historical passages, then the presentation and construction of the imagery in this exhibition is certainly appropriate, and ultimately successful. His work is certainly an enigma, and attempting to unravel it will be rewarding for many. However, finding the will or inspiration to mount such a challenge is dependent upon how much the work affects or inspires you to begin with.
Runs until January 30th.
